Vote for Nashville in Travel + Leisure’s ‘America’s Favorite Cities’ Survey
It’s time to show the world that America’s Music City is also America’s FAVORITE city! Travel+ Leisure’s ‘America’s Favorite Cities’ survey is up from now until August 15, so vote now, vote often, post, tweet, pin, tell your friends to vote, reach out to your local contacts, and spread the word. Vote at https://travelandleisure.roiresearch.com/Survey/Index/34 and use #TLCities when promoting via socials.

NCVC Adds Four to Board of Directors
The Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp (NCVC) announced four new additions to its board of directors: Steven André, general manager of the Hutton Hotel, Waverly Crenshaw, an attorney at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, Deborah McDermott, president and CEO of Young Broadcasting, LLC, and Ronald G. Smith, president of the mid-America region for Regions Bank. Ed Hardy, former president of Great American Country, will serve as chairman of the NCVC board of directors for the 2013-14 fiscal year. Ken Levitan, president of Vector Management, will serve as chair-elect. The community leaders, who comprise the 18-member, volunteer board, represent the diverse voices of the Nashville community.

The Band Perry Rocks Nashville’s July 4th Celebration
Superstar sibling trio, The Band Perry, headlined Music City’s July 4th celebration “Let Freedom Sing” for those with a "pioneer" spirit who didn't let a little rain get in the way. A steady stream of people filled Nashville’s riverfront during the day and by show time, the crowd grew to more than 100,000 throughout the entire event campus. Attendees braved the non-stop rain to experience high energy performances from The Band Perry, Keb’ Mo’ and Striking Matches. Music City was host to one of the largest fireworks displays in the country, which kicked off on the last note of The Band Perry’s two-week #1 song “Better Dig Two.” "The Band Perry's spirit matched Nashville's spirit last night as neither the fans, the event itself, nor the band backed down in delivering on the expectations the city has set for its annual July 4th celebration. The band was absolutely over the top and gave the crowd everything they deserved for coming out last night. We can't thank them or the fans enough," said Butch Spyridon, President and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Nashville Receives Accolades from Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure has ranked Nashville as one of America's Best Cities for Ice Cream. We've compiled a list of 11 great Music City spots to satisfy your ice cream craving. Taste for yourself why we're in the Top 3! See some of Music City’s ice cream shops here.

As part of its 2013 World’s Best Awards, the magazine has also named Hermitage Hotel and Hutton Hotel among their list of top large city hotels in the Continental U.S. The Hermitage Hotel comes in at #24 and the Hutton Hotel debuts at #30 on this prestigious list. For Travel + Leisure’s complete listing, please visit: http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2013/hotels/large-city-hotels-us/512.

Live On The Green Concert Series 2013 Lineup Announced
Live On The Green, Nashville’s free concert series held at Public Square Park, will run six consecutive Thursdays August 8 - September 12. The series will feature headliners Michael Franti and Spearhead, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, Matt Nathanson, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, and Nashville’s own Moon Taxi. Additional artists joining the lineup include ZZ Ward, The Weeks, The Delta Saints, Leagues, Gin Wigmore, Erin McCarley, The Wild Feathers, Joe Robinson, Luella and the Sun, and the winners of Lightning 100’s Music City Mayhem contest, Lulu Mae. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks; all updates will be posted to www.liveonthegreen.net. For guests interested in a premium experience, Live On The Green offers an exclusive VIP area, which includes access to the Lightning Lounge, stage access, private restrooms, comfortable shaded areas with open seating, complimentary catering provided by some of Nashville’s favorite restaurants, as well as complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Series VIP tickets and single-week VIP tickets are on sale now at www.liveonthegreen.net.

Register Now for the Tennessee Hospitality Conference & Trade Show
Join other hospitality industry professionals for one of the biggest events of the year, the 2013 TnHA Conference & Trade Show. The conference offers FREE Education Classes, FREE Admission for the Trade Show, and multiple Breakfasts, Receptions, and events - not to mention the 26th Annual TnHA Stars of the Industry Gala and the 2013 TNHPAC Golf Tournament. For more information please see the registration form (a full schedule is included.) The event also offers a ServSafe Class, a CPR Class, and a Certified Guest Service Professional Examination to benefit hospitality employees and managers. Registration for all Conference and Trade Show events is open online! You can REGISTER HERE or fill out the registration form attached. You can pick the events you want to attend OR you can register for an All Access Pass for only $250. For Trade Show Booth registration, please register online here. If you have any questions, call Lindsey Herren at 615-385-9970 or lindsey@tnhospitality.net.

Music City Hitmakers
Congratulations to Abdulkadir Jama of Nashville Cab and Jeffrey Lloyd of Fontanel Mansion who were named Music City Hitmakers for the months of April and May for their excellent customer service to Nashville visitors. Read their stories here. The Music City Hitmakers program recognizes the extraordinary customer service of Nashville's front-line hospitality employees. Visitors are encouraged to nominate the individual that made their stay unforgettable. Think a member of your staff deserves recognition? Make sure you've got Music City Hitmakers materials so they can be nominated.

Music Moves Festival by PopCause, LLC
Twenty-nine musical acts hitched a ride to play for charity on Nashville Metro Transit Authority (MTA)’s free Music City Circuit blue and green routes on Saturday, July 13, in the 2013 Music Moves Festival, produced by PopCause, LLC. The free mobile music festival was a surprise to some bus riders, while others rode the bus for more than four hours simply to participate in the festival and hear multiple acts. All proceeds from the Music Moves Festival and resulting online donations will go to Notes for Notes, a local charity supporting youth and music. Congratulations to this month’s brand champion, the Music Moves Festival produced by PopCause, for showing locals and tourists that Music City is really living up to its name. Visit PopCause.org to see highlights of the festival performances.

June 2013 hotel data for Davidson County

Demand (rooms sold) increased 0.8% over June 2012. This is the best June in the city’s history in terms of rooms sold.

Occupancy increased 0.8% over the previous year.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased 5.7% over the previous year.

Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) increased 6.5% over the previous year.

Hotel Revenue increased 6.5% over the previous year.

Supply did not increase.

(All increases were above average for the top 25 markets.)

FY 12-13 hotel data for Davidson County

Demand (rooms sold) increased 4.3% over FY11-12. This is the most rooms sold in one year (6,154,965).

Occupancy increased 3.1% over the previous year (to 67.9%).

Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased 4.7% over the previous year (to $108.49).

Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) increased 8.0% over the previous year.

Hotel Revenue increased 9.2% over the previous year.

Supply increased 1.1% over the previous year.

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